Chiropractic Helps Olympians, and How Your Diet Can Save You

Health-E-News September 2016empowering you to optimal health

Are orthotics for you?

Back pain will affect seventy to eighty percent of adults at some point in their life, with millions currently affected in North America. There are many causes of back pain such as degenerative disease of the spine and hips, nerve injury, musculoskeletal disorders, lower extremity joint disease, and many more according to the literature. Focusing on the role the lower extremity plays in back pain; disorders such as flat feet alter the function of the foot due to the loss of an arch and produce abnormal motion, which can affect the biomechanics of the rest of the body. A case study looking at the relationship between lower extremity dysfunction, pelvic disorder, and back pain is discussed below.

A 26-year old male came to a Chiropractor with chronic back, leg, and ankle pain. The back pain arose three years ago following an injury lifting bricks. The pain in his leg and ankle began nine years prior and was felt in both legs, however following a broken ankle the pain in his right leg went away. Being flat footed since childhood, it was reported that after his right ankle had broken an arch in his right foot had formed and the left foot remained flat.

Upon examination it was noted that subluxations were present in the upper cervical, mid thoracic, upper lumbar, and sacral regions. During an examination of the lower extremities it was revealed that there was abnormal function of the left foot, where the collapsed arch existed. Adjustments were delivered to the areas where subluxations were present three times a week. The lower back pain resolved within three weeks of care, however the leg pain persisted. The patient was then fitted with orthotics to correct the alignment of the feet.

During a follow up examination, the patient reported a significant decrease in leg pain. Alignment problems can arise from childhood injuries and manifest in different ways during adulthood. Through the use of chiropractic care and orthotics, there was a correction of a collapsed arch as well as resolution of chronic back, leg, and ankle pain.

Mattson, R. (2008). Resolution of Chronic Back, Leg and Ankle Pain Following Chiropractic Intervention and the Use of Orthotics. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation, 2008, 1-4.

7 Top Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

/While the Mediterranean Diet may be well-known for benefits, such as helping your waistline and your heart, it may have other benefits you’re unaware of. This type of diet isn’t hard to shop for at a grocery store and contains plenty of nutrient-packed foods. It’s actually an older diet plan coming from the way people used to and still do eat in Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece.

Not only will the Mediterranean diet provide all seven benefits found on this list, but it’s also a very tasty way to eat. If you’ve been searching for a new diet plan you can actually sustain, consider the benefits gained from the Mediterranean Diet.

Type 2 Diabetes Protection: One of the major benefits you gain from practicing the Mediterranean diet is protection from type 2 diabetes. Since the diet includes many foods rich in fiber, it helps to slow down your digestion and keep your blood sugar from going haywire.

Increases Longevity: One of the best-known benefits of the Mediterranean diet is an increase in longevity. Those practicing the diet as a way of life reduce their chances of developing cancer or heart disease. Studies have actually shown, those following the Mediterranean diet have a 20% less chance of dying, regardless of age.

Better Bone Health: One of the newest benefits discovered about the Mediterranean Diet is better bone health. A study showed the quality of bone health in postmenopausal women improved after following the Mediterranean diet. This article details how the diet has proven to help with bone health.

Great for Healthy Weight Loss: When you want to lose weight, you often choose a diet leaving you hungry and irritated. The Mediterranean diet won’t do that. It will provide the healthy benefit of helping you lose weight, but will also allow you to feel fuller. Since the diet is sustainable, it becomes a way of life instead of just a fad diet you practice for a month and forget about.

Protects Cognitive Health: Following the Mediterranean diet has been shown to help with treating Parkinson’s disease and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. It’s an excellent choice for preserving your memory and helping keep your mind sharp.

Help you Stay Agile: The nutrients found in foods consumed when following the Mediterranean diet may help to reduce muscle weakness in seniors. This diet has also show to help with other signs of frailty.

Great for Relaxation and Relieving Stress: Those suffering from chronic stress often don’t live the quality of life they want. Following the Mediterranean diet has proven to reduce stress and help you relax. Eating at a slower pace and eating local foods nearly every day helps with your mood. Of course, adding in regular physical activity will also help to reduce stress.

Whether you’re worried you might be at risk for disease or you just want to shed a few pounds in a healthy way, the Mediterranean diet may be the answer. It’s a wonderful way to eat, live and remain happy without feeling hungry or like you’re stuck hating what you eat. If you want to diet in a better way, make the Mediterranean diet your new lifestyle choice.

4 Top Advantages of Chiropractic Care for Athletes

Chiropractic care has become more widely accepted over the 100-year history. Many athletes, from high school football stars to Olympians, count on chiropractors to help with physical ailments. Chiropractic focuses on the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system allowing for plenty of support for all types of injuries and ailments athletes may face.

Athletes gain several advantages from regular chiropractic care before, during and after performing. Chiropractic care has become so common in sports medicine, that every NFL team has their own team Chiropractor. Here are four of the main advantages gained by athletes using regular chiropractic care.

Helps Undo Punishment on the Body from Sports: When speaking of their personal successes, many athletes state that chiropractic care was a huge part of it. Top athletes, such as Dan O’Brien, Barry Bonds, and Arnold Schwarzenegger say their ability to perform was partly due to the chiropractor they saw regularly.

Drug-Free Treatment/Non-Invasive: The last thing an athlete wants to do is become hooked on pain medicine or go through an invasive surgery. Surgery could mean the end of the season or even the end of a career for some athletes, such as Prince Fielder. However, with chiropractic care, athletes get the help their body needs in order to continue to perform at their best. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady believes chiropractic care helps with performance. He even says he feels about three inches taller after seeing his chiropractor.

Improved Mobility: Seeing a chiropractor regularly also helps to increase mobility, which is a must for athletes. Chiropractic care fundamentally increases joint flexibility and allows for pain-free movement. Football players, weight lifters, runners and many others have all noticed an improvement in flexibility after receiving Chiropractic care.

Improved Strength and Endurance: Along with increased mobility, athletes using chiropractic care often show improved strength and endurance. World-class Olympic athletes have worked with chiropractors for many years to help with range of motion, strength and endurance when training. These athletes even take their own Chiropractor to the Olympic Games.

Olympic athletes need to do everything they can to shave off mili-seconds and they rely on Chiropractic to help them. Imagine what Chiropractic can do for you!

Great Reasons to Eat More Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should play a huge role in any diet. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to lose weight or just trying to eat healthy, making sure you get plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide plenty of necessary health benefits. There are several excellent reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables. Here are five of the most important.

Disease Prevention

The old adage, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away,” rings pretty true. Many fruits and vegetables help to prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Fruits and vegetables with a high fiber content help protect you from coronary heart disease. In addition, potassium-rich foods, such as strawberries, bananas and potatoes can help to reduce blood pressure and decrease bone loss. Many fruits and vegetables also provide antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help to ensure healthy cells.

Low in Calories

One of the best reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables is the calorie content. Most are very low in calories. Reaching for an apple or a few grapes instead of a sugary snack is a great way to lose weight and maintain a healthier body. Some vegetables contain so few calories that you may burn more calories during the eating process than the vegetable actually provides.

Filling up on fruits and vegetables may help with weight loss, as well. Making substitutions, such as fresh applesauce for oil in a muffin recipe may not only provide a delicious treat, but a healthier one. You can also add sautéed vegetables to an omelet to fill up at breakfast without adding many calories.

Packed with Nutrients

Vegetables are rich in fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin A and vitamin C. Folate-rich foods, such as tomatoes, bell peppers and spinach are especially important for women of childbearing age. These foods help to prevent certain birth defects in babies. Eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes helps with eye health and skin health. The high content of fiber in vegetables, such as broccoli can also help with digestion. Fruits are also packed with vitamins, fiber, folate and potassium. High fiber fruits help to protect against heart disease and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries help wounds heal and keep teeth healthy.

Convenient

You don’t have to cook most fruits and vegetables to enjoy them. Grabbing an apple, grapes or even a few carrots is effortless compared to the time it takes to cook a meal or prepare certain snacks. Even making a salad takes less prep time than most meals. If you want to add something nutritious and delicious to your diet, add fruits and vegetables. You can fill up without consuming too many calories and your body will thank you for the many needed nutrients.